The Senate Majority Leader, who already gained internet fame attacking Big Coal, last night put Big Oil in the crosshairs. Sample: “If we continue to follow this slippery, oil-slicked, downward-winding path, our citizens will shiver in darkness as our resources hemorrhage to Third World thugs whose only virtue is their control of petroleum-based energy.”

Obviously Republican enthusiasm for offshore drilling didn’t fare much better: “The simple fact is that the promise of more oil isn’t part of the solution; it’s part of the problem. At best this is an 18th century answer to a 21st century crisis; at worst it’s pure baloney.” Sen. Reid specifically cited T. Boone Pickens’ dismissal of drilling as an effective solution to the energy crunch.

So what is the answer to America’s oil addiction and energy challenges? “There’s an answer. There’s a man. Barack Obama […] He articulates a vision of energy independence that is comprehensive and based on sound science and sound policies, science we know will work.” Such as all the things that Sen. Reid talked about in Las Vegas last week: “…wind, geothermal, and solar power generation and the development of efficient power transmission.”

All of which could help generate more electricity in years to come—but which right now don’t do a thing to change America’s reliance on oil for almost all its transportation needs. Oil represents just a tiny fraction of U.S. electricity generation.

Unless, as people such as T. Boone Pickens and Shai Agassi propose, electricity displace oil one way or another for cars and trucks. Mr. Pickens wants to use wind power for electricity, freeing up natural gas to run cars. Mr. Agassi’s Project Better Place skips the middleman and uses wind power to charge electric cars overnight.

Energy policy creates strange bedfellows, for sure. Mr. Pickens’ embrace of renewable energy has steadily endeared him to many environmentalists and Democrats, Swift boat baggage notwithstanding. House speaker Nancy Pelosi invested a small amount in one of Mr. Pickens’ natural-gas ventures.

But at a time when Mr. Pickens is rooting for Sen. John McCain and donating money to Republican campaigns, it does seem odd that one of his biggest boosters could end up being the Senate majority leader.

Comments (5 of 15)

The young genius and science wiz Shia Agassi has already teamed up with Israel to start work on electrical grids for battery-powered cars that will make Israel free of its dependence on oil from other sources. About six months ago, Agassi gave a startling and revolutionary presentation on his new battery-driven car to a select Democratic Committee on Energy that stunned the lawmakers. Everyone present thought that his ideas could revolutionize all sectors of the American economy and make the U.S. the number one energy provider in the world. The next day I scanned through all the media I could find, but didn't see or hear a word about the special House session. A few months later, here is Mr. Pickens talking about his new revolutionary idea, which in all probability was leaked to him by the energy people on the Hill.

12:20 pm September 8, 2008

Jerry wrote :

As a professional energy investor, I've studied the alternative energy industries and came to this conclusion: we need a combination of every type of alternative. To meet our future electricity needs, nothing but nuclear will produce enough. Wind and solar will provide maybe 20 - 30%, but we need nuclear to provide the rest. Electricity per mile is cheaper than gas/diesel per mile. A resent study showed 70% of commuters travel 60 miles or less round trip to work each day. We have electric cars which are already capable of meeting that standard. A small windmill could recharge these vehicles. Nat Gas for vehicles is also a viable stop-gap until better electric cars are built. We'll still need gas/diesel for heavy trucks and trains moving large loads. Whether you support the Republicans or Democrats, whether you like Picken's plan or have your own ideas, we all need to work together to break the middle east strangle hold on our wallets.

3:07 pm September 5, 2008

Kari wrote :

Follow the money all:
While I personally believe all potentially viable sources of energy should be explored, I am greatly disturbed by the connections that seem to be developing. It appears that Ms. Pelosi is promoting energy legislation from which she stands personally gain, while preventing debate, much less a vote, on other energy legislation.

First off, politics are going to weigh in to this energy crisis very heavily, I'm sorry to say. NOt only with infighting of the partys but who is the brightest of them all. (And I have my doubts concerning that issue}

I doubt that you will ever see a movement or even consideration by the congress of nuclear powered electrical genetation plants.

When the few nuclear plants existing were built, it was under much protest. Not only from ecologists but from the Democratic controlled congress. This explains the the dismal number of a reliabe source of power we could have in America today.

I personally helped build two nuclear generators amd worked on them during maintenance shutdowns. I am retired now and contrary to what was predicted by the various anti- nuke organizations, I've yet to grow any additional appedages, develope life threating diseases or become deformed in any way.

I posted this statement once before... Pay very close attention, ladys and gentlemen, don't let the congressmen of your state or the federal government take over this plan! It is our right and within our power, don't ever forget that!!

4:39 pm August 31, 2008

Dr B wrote :

Why should we get to use nuclear power plants? Because this is America - and we can do anything we want!!!!!!!!!! if someone doesnt like it - i would suggest packing up and moving to China - or Iran - or maybe Russia!!??

About Environmental Capital

Environmental Capital provides daily news and analysis of the shifting energy and environmental landscape. The Wall Street Journal’s Keith Johnson is the lead writer. Environmental Capital is led by Journal energy reporter Russell Gold, and includes contributions from other writers at the Journal, WSJ.com, and Dow Jones Newswires. Write us at environmentalcapital@wsj.com.